Comana Monastery, located in Giurgiu County, just 30 kilometers south of Bucharest, is a place of deep spiritual and historical significance. Originally founded by Vlad Tepes more than five centuries ago, in 1461, Comana Monastery is one of the oldest places of worship in the Diocese of Giurgiului, having undergone numerous transformations over the years and today becoming an important monastic and tourist center.

The place where the monastery was founded is a place where peace floods your soul and we can hardly disagree, since even Vlad the Impaler felt this! And there can be no other explanation for the fact that the ruler ordered the erection of a monastery on a piece of land between the marshes, where access was through a gate in the north of the enclosure, after crossing a wooden bridge, easily set on fire in times of danger.

The same marshes, however, two centuries later, were to swallow the Turks in the famous battle of Călugăreni!

Comana Monastery - History

Comana Monastery was founded by Vlad Țepeș, the ruler of Wallachia, as a monastic fortress for defense against Ottoman invasions. Unfortunately, 15 years later, Comana Monastery was to become the ruler's last, eternal refuge after, during the assault on the Turks in December 1476, Vlad Țepeș was captured and beheaded in the Comana forests, at the walnut well (very close to the monastery) - his head being taken to the sultan as proof of his death and his body buried in the monastery courtyard.

A century after the erection of the monastery, when the wood began to deteriorate, the nobleman Radu Șerban, who had just inherited some land from his mother, decided to rebuild the monastery, this time in stone and under the patron saint St. Nicholas.

The rebuilding work was carried out taking into account the novelties in building techniques during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu, as a result of the remarkable cultural development during three almost successive reigns: Matei Basarab, Șerban Cantacuzino and Constantin Brâncoveanu.

Over the centuries, the monastery witnessed important events and underwent various changes and restorations. With the accession to the throne of Alexandru Ioan Cuza and the secularization of the monastery's assets, Comana underwent other transformations, first as a parish, then as a general school for the village children, a prison during the Russo-Turkish wars, a county prefecture during the War for Independence (1877), a military cemetery (1919), CAP (1960) and forestry headquarters, and a workshop for the Union of Fine Artists (1970).

Fortunately, after 1990, the monastery was reopened and restored, returning to its spiritual and cultural role. Thanks to the efforts of the young and visionary abbot Mihail Muscariu, who looks after this holy place with dedication and humility, the figure of Vlad Tepes is once again in the historical foreground of the monastery.

Comana Monastery - Architecture and art

The monastery's main church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, is an outstanding example of Romanian religious architecture, combining Byzantine and autochthonous influences. The sober exterior is complemented by a richly ornamented interior with frescoes and icons of great artistic value.

The monastery houses a number of valuable artifacts and cult objects, including ancient manuscripts, icons and liturgical vestments. These provide a fascinating insight into the religious and cultural history of the region.

On the outside, the monastery is surrounded by thick enclosing walls, which originally had a defensive role. These walls create an atmosphere of seclusion and tranquillity, giving visitors a sense of seclusion and peace.

Comana Monastery today 

Today, when we arrive at Comana Monastery, we discover a completely restored church, an inner courtyard full of flowers, a green area of silence on the banks of the Neajlov, a refurbished state cellar and a mausoleum dedicated to the heroes of the First World War, erected in 1932 on the initiative of Queen Maria after Nicolae Iorga's plans, to remind everyone of the wounds of the past.

Today, only the restored north and west sides of the chapels remain from the original construction, while the wall on the east side and a fragment of the tower are still in ruins. 

In 2011, the building underwent extensive restoration work under a project co-financed by the European Union.

In terms of monastic life, Comana Monastery is home to an active community of monks dedicated to religious life and prayer. They attend daily services and are responsible for the upkeep and administration of the monastery.

In addition to regular services, the monastery organizes various religious and social activities, including conferences, spiritual retreats and community outreach programs. These activities contribute to the spiritual and cultural life of the local community and visitors.

Moreover, Comana Monastery is an important pilgrimage destination for Orthodox believers, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to pray and to retreat in this holy place. Pilgrims appreciate the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere and the architectural beauty of the monastery. At the same time, the large number of parishioners who come to worship here is due to the priceless objects in the monastery's patrimony: the icon of St. Nicholas, cast in silver and considered to be a miracle-worker; a small part of the relics of St. Catherine Mucenica Ecaterina, preserved in a silver and walnut wood reliquary; and other parts of the relics of saints.

Comana Monastery is a symbol of Romanian spirituality and history. Over the centuries, this holy place has witnessed significant transformations, while preserving its essence and spiritual importance. Today, the monastery is a haven of tranquility and recollection, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the history and spirituality of this special place.